Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesUncommon CausesWhen to WorryTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Uncommon Causes
When to Worry
Treatment
Prevention
Your left eye might hurt due to dry eye syndrome, infections, or conditions like conjunctivitis. Headaches, sinus infections, and optic nerve issues can also cause discomfort. The type of pain you feel (burning, sharp, or aching) and other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or headaches, can help your healthcare provider identify the cause.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
There are many common reasons why your left eye may hurt. Some possible reasons may affect only one eye, or both eyes at the same time. Possible causes include:
Can Stress Cause Left Eye Pain?Yes, stress can contribute to left eye pain. Stress can lead to tension in the eye muscles, resulting in headaches and a sensation of pressure or pain in or behind the eye. Stress can also exacerbate some conditions, like dry eye syndrome, leading to increased eye pain.
Can Stress Cause Left Eye Pain?
Yes, stress can contribute to left eye pain. Stress can lead to tension in the eye muscles, resulting in headaches and a sensation of pressure or pain in or behind the eye. Stress can also exacerbate some conditions, like dry eye syndrome, leading to increased eye pain.
Less Common Causes
Some of these less common causes of eye pain are serious and require urgent or emergency care:
Can Eye Pain Be a Sign of Stroke?Yes, eye pain can be asign of stroke, especially when it occurs suddenly or is accompanied with vision loss. Other signs of stroke include a sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache), and neurological symptoms, such as weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. Call 911 immediately at the first sign of stroke.
Can Eye Pain Be a Sign of Stroke?
Yes, eye pain can be asign of stroke, especially when it occurs suddenly or is accompanied with vision loss. Other signs of stroke include a sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache), and neurological symptoms, such as weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. Call 911 immediately at the first sign of stroke.
When to Worry About Eye Pain
Eye pain has many causes—some are simple, but it can be a sign of a serious problem. It’s important to see your healthcare provider if your eye pain continues for more than a couple of hours.
Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you have eye pain that is sudden and severe or accompanied with:
How to Relieve Left Eye Pain
Some types of left eye pain can be relieved at home with simple remedies. Others require a visit to a healthcare provider, prescription medication, or specialist procedures.
Treatments may include:
Self-Care Strategies
Taking good care of your eyes may help to prevent conditions that can make your eyes hurt. cause eye pain. To protect your eyes and help prevent pain:
Summary
Many common causes of eye pain can be resolved with a warm, wet compress or OTC eye drops. But since eye pain can be a symptom of a vision- or life-threatening condition, it’s critical to see a provider if you have new eye pain. Know the signs of stroke, and call 911 immediately if you think you could be having one.
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